We're back! That's right, after missing most of a glorious summer, our little family bike ride that could is back on track, just in time for ... snow? So says the forecast. Bah! Either way, this route is short, temperate, and will be capped by delicious warm and cold beverages for one and all.

Why this Saturday, November 19th? Because the Ship Canal Trail is done, and there's an opening ceremony, and we plan to be among the first to ride this spiffy gem on the other side of the canal from the Burke Gilman Trail.

This is another "missing link" trail, that now connects Burke-Gilman, Dexter, and Westlake with Magnolia and the Elliott Bay Trail to downtown. The Ship Canal Trail has previously been a scenic and secret trail to nowhere, but now has real utility.

We checked it out this summer when the yellow segment finished, and were delighted by a real live maritime firefighter training session on a mock ship, complete with MASSIVE PYRO!

No promises on Saturday. But it sure would be a toasty way to welcome folks to the trail. Hint hint pyro people.

Let's meet at the Ballard Library at 10am, ride through the Locks, and through Fisherman's Terminal to the 11am opening ceremony. There will be a short stretch of on-road action between the Locks and Terminal. We can do it.

Then we'll ride this scenic (in an industrial then canal sort of way) trail, and pop over the Fremont Bridge for a lunch at Fremont Brewing. We'll bring hot cider to warm folks up. Fremont Brewing is BYO food, and quite kid friendly. You can pack a picnic, but there is adjacent teriyaki, and nearby sweet and savory PIE.

Then anyone who likes can ride back to Ballard with us on the Burke Gilman Trail. This ride will be a great chance to show off your "how I keep the kids warm/dry" tricks for winter! We've got a MEC Newt Suit a la FamilyRide clan that we're liking for the wet. And contemplating hot-water bottle with waterproof-on-one-side picnic blanket for the cold.

If you don't have kids with you that day, or live in a Capitol Hill/South Seattle direction, may I suggest an alternate event? Because Cranksgiving 2011 bike ride/food drive happens to be on the same day (sorry Tom!). We really enjoyed it last year, but my kids were more totsicle than totcycle by the end of it, so I don't think we'll make it such a big loop with snow in the forecast. But you should.